CougarNow, Annual Report 2023

Mya Pierre, Aurora Grimwade & Azy Carrillo, 2023 Graduates

Standing firm in our mission to meet families’ needs in this polarized culture

God continues to create and recreate Phoenix Christian Preparatory School.

Last year began with Arizona Governor Ducey ceremonially signing our nation’s most sweeping educational freedom legislation in the gym of Phoenix Christian! I watched our now Speaker of the House Ben Toma carefully observe the stroke of the Governor’s pen and his glance around a gymnasium at hundreds of cheering students, families, and leaders. In the following weeks, calls came from media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and NBC wanting to know more about Phoenix Christian embracing tax credits and empowerment scholarships to broadly welcome students into an independent faith-based school.

In the wake of Covid and culture’s radical shifts, more families discovered Christ-centered education. Everyday, prospective families would call and enter our offices inquiring of opportunities at Phoenix Christian. Many prospective families were unclear exactly for which they were searching, but somehow knew their children needed something more.

It was in this intersection, Phoenix Christian’s missional commitment met so many families. From the arms of preschool teachers holding infants, to classrooms, to athletic fields, to our 2023 graduates receiving their diplomas, I am confident every student had a daily encounter with God’s truth guiding each student toward the abundant life Christ promises.

One of Phoenix Christian Preparatory School’s greatest assets is our beautiful diversity. Last year the diversification expanded. The subsequent growth was not without challenge. However, we pressed into the truths of scriptures to once again invite God to recreate Phoenix Christian Preparatory School. Our school operates in contrast to a fractured and polarized culture as we guide our faculty, staff, and students to Christ’s command to love God and love others. Phoenix Christian students are uniquely poised to enter our diverse world with wisdom only gained through experience.

We are recreated by the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We are increasingly aware of the unique gift the Lord has given Phoenix Christian. We could not have imagined or orchestrated all that God is doing. We seek to be a feather on his breath and are grateful for your investment in God’s school.

With prayer and gratitude,

Jeff Blake, MaSLF, MaED Phoenix Christian Preparatory School

We are invited to humbly harvest what Jesus is growing at Phoenix Christian!

Years ago, an intense storm brought down a seventy-six foot pine tree in front of our house. Everyone was safe and there was no damage to our home. Friends helped us carve up and haul off the debris which filled a semi-trailer and soon after we planted another tree. The new Ash tree we planted was small but pretty. Much to our dismay, another storm came and snapped the young tree in half. Our pretty replacement tree now looked like a three foot broom handle that had just been stuck into the ground with no leaves or branches. It was ugly and showed no signs of life. I figured we would just replace it with another tree and try again. Before we could dig up the sticktree, a friend encouraged me to be patient. He promised our ugly stick in the ground would someday be a very big and beautiful tree. He was right! Today, I think that Ash tree we planted years ago is the most majestic tree on our little stretch of 14th Avenue, a street lined with other great trees. It is truly a more excellent tree today than we could have ever imagined! If it hadn’t been for my friend, I likely would have trashed it because of how bad it looked.

In Mark 4, Jesus talks about what the Kingdom of God is like, “A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. The soil produces grain— first the stock, then the head, then the full kernel in the head, and soon it is time for the man to reap because the harvest has come.”

Friends, the harvest season is coming again at Phoenix Christian and in many ways has already arrived. Just this year the student body growth is up nearly twenty percent. There are many excellent additions to the faculty, staff, coaching, committee and school board rosters. PC is sowing in many new meaningful ways into the lives of students. New partnerships are in place with Christian Family Care to provide critical access to counseling as needed and we have added the on-campus presence of Dynamic Sports Training to provide the highest level of athletic training available for all PC athletes. May the Lord find us continually planting good seeds in one another and in the lives of those we serve. May He give us wisdom and patience in the sometimes less than beautiful moments

that are inevitable during growth. May we always remember that, in ways that we do not fully comprehend, God is always working. It is Christ alone Who authors the growth. May we be poised and ready to accept His invite to join Him individually and corporately to humbly harvest what Jesus is constantly growing in, through and around the community of Phoenix Christian!

As we continue to experience this unprecedented growth, we give our Heavenly Father all of the glory and honor that is due to Him alone! We are praying earnestly and we are planning intentionally. We remain committed to holding these plans in an open hand as we earnestly ask our Heavenly Father to continue to establish our steps! We are sincerely grateful for the immediate and extended family of Phoenix Christian. We are grateful for you! We have all been invited to join God in what He is doing in, through and around the lives of all who are a part of the fabric of Phoenix Christian Preparatory School. May the Holy Spirit find each of us available, useful and committed to excellence as we live out our worship to Him with one voice!

CougarNow!

Steve Woods ’83 Chairman of the Board

The Remarkable CLASS OF 2023 2023

“The Class of 2023 holds unique strengths in personal growth and overcoming significant personal challenges. You have embraced courage, perseverance, and authenticity. We see and you are to be commended. So many of you hold particular gifts of bold leadership, commitment to justice, an embrace of the hurting and marginalized, you embrace the arts, sciences, literature and athleticism all God-given desires and gifts which will continue to form who you are becoming. You are leaders. You are servants. You are state-recognized accomplished scholar athletes. Phoenix Christian is better because of you. Each of you will be missed and we are grateful for the trust your families have given Phoenix Christian. Our prayer is that you are bathed and defined by the love of the One who exults and sings loudly over you. Our prayer is for you to KNOW the One who knew you before you were formed. Our prayer is for you to walk boldly into our broken and divided world as change agents of salt, light, and with courage.” — Excerpt taken from the Graduation Ceremony

BRIANA GUERRERO LOPEZ

RICHARD RODRIGUEZ, JR.

LINA ‘CARLETH’ TRUJILLO

VALEDICTORIAN

Brooklynne Blake

STEM & Humanities Concentration

GPA: 4.43 / Dual Enrollment Credits: 47

College Plans: Gordon CollegeGlobal Honors Program

Major: Pre-Med Track & Kinesiology

“This class is about to move on to one of the most exciting parts of their lives. We will have more freedom than we have ever had before and will create countless new memories. Being young is a beautiful thing. However, it is important, even in your youth, that you keep God at the center of your life. Trials will come. Whether it is your career, finances, or relationships, trials are inevitable. If you focus your life on pursuing worldy dreams and pursuits, it will crumble when faced with challenges. Countless people who have it all: the money, the fame, and the influence, have said that they still feel empty, unfulfilled. Chasing after status and wealth is meaningless, because when you die, you will be left emptyhanded, standing at the throne of God. Fufillment will only come when you dedicate yourself to pursuing God’s will in every aspect of your life. St. Augustine once said, ‘You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in You.’ We are made in the image of God to glorify Him on this earth, and until we fully embrace this as our purpose, we will never be fulfilled.”

– Excerpt from Brooklynne’s graduation speech

SALUTATORIAN

Hana Marz

STEM & Humanities Concentration

GPA: 4.28 / Dual Enrollment Credits: 44

College Plans: Embry Riddle

Aeronautical University

Major: Aerospace Engineer

Hana has attended Phoenix Christian for three years. She has distinguished herself in the classroom as a critical thinker. She has also been a standout on the stage in various plays and musicals. For her capstone project, she wrote three chapters of a novel and plans to complete the novel in the near future. This fall, Hana plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida.

Recognition & HONORS

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Nancy Felix & Angel Gutierrez

JAMES R. WICKERSHAM CITIZENSHIP AWARD

Levi Rhynard

The Wickersham Citizenship Award is named after Mr. Wickersham who served at Phoenix Christian for 33 years. He truly represented the highest level of character and spiritual leadership.

It was a unique honor for Carrie (Wickersham) Ackerman ’94 to jointly present this award with Chairman of the Board and Alumnus, Steve Woods ’83 to senior Levi Rhynard.

The Carolyn Krober Music Award goes to an outstanding senior in music. Former Principal and Development Director, Mr. Krober, and his family, established this award in honor of their daughter and three other outstanding Christian young people who were killed in a car accident coming home from a choir tour in California in 1959.

Senior Reyn Romley has been an integral part of the worship team, symphonic band, jazz ensemble, and drumline during his time at Phoenix Christian.

Mr. Steven Raymond, Music Department Chair presents the Carolyn Krober Music Award to Reyn Romley.

CAROLYN KROBER MUSIC AWARD Reyn Romley

A unique and vital component of our campus culture originates in the wonderful global diversity found in our international students. We currently have 18 international students from nine different countries attending Phoenix Christian. Each year, we award a senior student with the International Academic Achievement Award.

Jade Meresse moved from France to attend Phoenix Christian for her senior year. She has proven herself to be a diligent student and made the most of her time at Phoenix Christian by being a part of the cheer team and making lifelong friendships.

Mr. Jeffrey Edouard ’07, Alumnus and Director of International Programs presents the International Academic Achievement Award to Jade Meresse.

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Jade Meresse

ATHLETICS 2023 COUGAR

This has been an amazing year for our athletic program. We were blessed to have many teams earn spots in the AIA playoffs, two that advanced to the Final Four as well as many individuals that earned spots in the AIA State Championships. It was truly an incredible year!

The VARSITY BASEBALL team progressed as the season went on and earned a Central Region Championship and advanced to the Final Four. With no graduating seniors and a talented group of new freshmen, this program is going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come!

The VARSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL season started with high expectations. The team performed well, earning a top-four seed and again advancing to the Final Four. With the bulk of the team returning, the future continues to be bright for PC Basketball.

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL secured the Region Championship and moved into playoffs. The girls worked hard to achieve success. With a young group of players returning, our Lady Cougars are poised to compete well this winter!

Central Region Championship Baseball Team 2023

VARSITY GOLF was a flourishing powerhouse this year! The team advanced to the State Tournament for the second consecutive year and continued to compete, earning a top-10 finish and an individual 7th-place finish by junior JJ Brigowatz.

SOCCER is a tough sport, especially when you compete against much larger schools. But that didn’t stop our boys from fighting every game. With a very young squad, compiled mostly of freshmen, this group has the potential to grow into a champion.

The SOFTBALL season was a growth year in many ways, including the addition of a Junior Varsity team. The ladies finished second in the region and advanced to the sweet sixteen of the 2A playoffs. With a record of 11-6, these girls posted the second consecutive winning season for PC!

Tommy Randolph, Junior Offensive MVP Player of the Year and 2A Conference Player of the Year.

Senior Angel Gutierrez earned the Leadership Award

Pablo Hernandez fights for the win at State Championships.

Freshman Isai Borja takes the shot.

TRACK AND FIELD has a long and successful history at Phoenix Christian. This season, we had a host of athletes qualify for state, many breaking personal records. With most athletes returning, the state of Arizona better watch out for Cougar Track!

In its short time of existence, the MEN’S VARSITY VOLLEYBALL program has grown quickly. Our boys have learned how to compete with bigger, more experienced teams. The team responded well, learning the game and competing.

VARSITY WRESTLING had a remarkable season and produced three state qualifiers and the 5th place wrestler in the state in his weight class.

Addison Fisher, Full Glass Award— the player who most closely reached his potential.

Junior Dominic Parris takes the lead to win the 100 Yard Dash.

Senior Grace Fisher earned the Leadership Award

Junior Short Stop Noi Andrean

Offensive MVP, Freshman Hannah Fisher

2A Metro West Region Champions 2023

Finally, a huge congratulations to our Coaches of the Year—Coach Mark Band, Varsity Baseball, and Coach Brandi Watkins, Varsity Women’s Basketball. Get ready to witness a winning school year with our all-star line-up of coaches poised to help our scholar-athletes succeed.

The Golf Team finished Top Ten in the state.

Top Competitor, Junior, JJ Brigowatz

2027 the Class of

What a year it was for 8th Grade and Phoenix Christian Middle School. We welcomed the new school year with optimism and a pursuit of excellence. Expectations were set, parameters were established, students adjusted, and a new year began.

Academically, our goal was to grow every day and to pursue content mastery. One indicator of academic achievement can be measured by performance growth in standardized testing. Our students tested three times this year in Reading and Math. Results from the first test prompted us to make immediate and intentional adjustments including the implementation of reading and math intervention programs as well as enrichment classes. Our 8th graders increased their math scores by 15% and reading scores by 20%! Our students “Won” in the classroom. Well done!

Spiritually, our goal was to point students to the Bible and to the person of Jesus Christ. 8th Grade Camp was by far a highlight of our 8th graders’ spiritual journey. Several students accepted Christ, many students experienced reconciliation, and the entire class worshipped together in a beautiful, spirit-filled way. Our students “Won” spiritually.

Physically, our goal was to compete to the best of our ability. Our motto was ‘We Win’. This motto was not proclaimed in arrogance but in the idea that we reflect the person of Jesus Christ, who is a champion in every way. Middle School brought home a championship in baseball this year and competed with great aplomb in other sports. Our Cheer Team wowed the crowd with fantastic energy and enthusiasm, and we are so proud of how well they performed. Our students “Won” physically. Well done!

Barnabas Award— Genesis Perez Valdez

Crystal Carrizoza shared her beautiful testimony of God’s work in her life.

Creatively, our goal was to encourage students to give their gifts and talents back to God. Middle School MESA students competed in one of the largest Robotics competitions in the country. Seventh grader Zurya Palomares, took second place in the Combat Robot Competition, and 8th grader Salomee Elemo and 7th graders Lumuel Bereketab and Terrence Jenkins took third place in the Robo-Hockey Competition. These four students, along with their peers represented Christ and placed higher than any other PC competitor in the history of Phoenix Christian. Our students “Won” in their creativity. Well done!

“I wish to take just one more moment to leave a final impression on you amazing, beautiful, wonderful students. This life has many twists and turns and there is an adversary out there waiting to trip you up. I want to make sure that tonight you know that Jesus is the Answer. Jesus is the one who has a hope for you. Jesus has a future for you. Never forget... Jesus heals. Jesus saves. Jesus rescues. Jesus loves. Jesus forgives. Jesus will never leave you or forsake you. When all else fails and times are tough, remember, the name that is above every name, Jesus.”

Love,

Fine Arts Award— Trinatee Johnson

— Excerpt taken from 8th Grade Promotion

Mr. Abeyta

Timothy Award— Timothy Randolph

Jude House and Elena Garcia received their promotion certificates. These two scholars, along with most of the 8th Grade class, will make a tremendous impact as the Phoenix Christian Class of 2027.

2030 the Class of

Look out for the class of 2030! They are fun, talented, creative, hardworking, and so, so gifted! We can’t wait to see the amazing future these capable scholars have ahead of them!

The Class of 2030 includes very talented athletes, and bright, committed scholars, remarkably characterized by a love for the Lord. This class will do some outstanding things in the years ahead and make Phoenix Christian Preparatory School proud to call them alumni.

– Mr. Moran and Mrs. Fritsch, 5th Grade teachers

Titus Lambert spiffed up and stepped out in style for his big shot at becoming the newest engineer at JA Biztown, a simulated town that provides students the opportunity to learn about careers.

The Class of 2030 gets an A+ for having fun!

Giving Partners

SUSTAINING MONTHLY DONORS*

We are grateful for this incredible group of faithful monthly donors who daily impact children’s lives.

Byrd Family Trust ’66

Infinity Management Consulting LLC ’01

National Christian Foundation -

Southwest ’67 & ’69

Roxanne Anderson

Jerry & Judy Blake

Jeffrey & Lisa ’94 Blake

Antonius & Marypaul ’70 Bom

John & Patricia Culea ’60

Perry ’78 & Louisa Fergason

Ben & Anne-Louise Gurney

John ’68 & Connie Hamner

Linda Harmon

Jorge & Kimberly Hernandez

Melody Hill ’73

Jim & Bonnie ’61 Hills

Danny & Laurie ’70 Kuykendall

Lester ’62 & Sally Matthews

Michael ’68 & Dana McNeely

Kelby & Melody Milgrim ’88

Stanley ’77 & Karen Moehr

James ’65 & Lucinda Paxton

Randy Pettit

Richard & Joan Rolfes

Kenneth & Karen Seigle

Stephen ’81 & Kathy Shiffer

Travis ’07 & Khala ’00 Stanfield

Bill ’60 & Sandra Stone

Diane Talley

David ’66 & Barbara Tomb

Tanner ’11 & Sara Trapp

Clayton Troxell

Genaro Vega de la Cruz ’21

Jim & Donna Wickersham

Donna Williams

*Monthly donors for at least six months

TIMOTHY TUITION SCHOLARSHIP DONORS*

The Timothy Scholarship Fund aids students who cannot fully satisfy their tuition balances. The fund is dedicated to giving every student an opportunity for a Phoenix Christian education regardless of income level. Thank you for giving so generously.

Melissa Barbakoff

Antonius & Marypaul ’70 Bom

Albion Hargrave

Jim & Bonnie ’61 Hills

Kimberly Jones

Michael ’68 & Dana McNeely

Susan Peterson ’72

Steven Raymond

Ken Schaaf ’53

Kenneth & Karen Seigle

Wesley & Elaine ’71 Webb

Jim & Donna Wickersham

*Fiscal Year donations — July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023

OAW CAMPAIGN DONORS

Our student callers love talking to Phoenix Christian alumni during the annual One Dollar A Week campaign. Thank you to all of those who “answered the call” and generously donated. Congratulations to the winning classes for the highest number of participants. A special note of thanks to Torger Erickson ’84 and Pete Hamstra ’76 for making a few phone calls!

Winning Classes: 1962 & 1980

Thomas & Beth Abbitt ’78

Gerald ’80 & Ruth ’77 Abbitt

Mark & Andrea Abeyta

Donna Ackles

Kay & Claude (Chip) Allison ’02

Bud & Brenda Allison

Richard & Sharon Altopp

Larry ’63 & Nancy Anderson

Roxanne Anderson

Peggy Armstrong

Bradley & Sandra Asolas

Philip ’64 & Phyllis Auernheimer

Joy Bailey ’79

James ’89 & Lara Bands

Damon ’68 & Peggy Becker

Gary & Rochelle Becker

Les ’88 & Carol Billings

Jeffrey & Lisa ’94 Blake

Jerry & Judy Blake

Eric & Meghan ’03 Boadman

Justin ’06 & Hayley ’08 Bohall

Sarai Borja Nevarez ’19

Donald & Rosa ’53 Bowers

Daniel Bowley ’84

Douglas ’63 & Toni Bradley

Diane Brandsma ’83

John & Stephanie ’95 Brigowatz

Raymond Buchanan

Kyle & Rachel ’04 Byrd

Carolyn Cain ’66

James & Sarah Callahan

Timothy ’69 & Della Camping

Kristy Ceton ’94

Brian & Cyndee Clancy

Howard & Pam Ingham

Jamie Collins ’84

Randy Compton ’05

Harold ’57 & Carol Cooper

Louis & Joanne ’63 Coppola

Clarke Crawford ’82

Jack & Dee Dee ’60 Creed

John & Patti Culea ’60

Richard & Carol Cummings ’62

Gerald ’65 & Nola Sue ’63 Curd

Richard & Sharon ’61 Darnall

Keith & Leanna de Laet

Eric ’86 & Lori ’81 De Jong

Jon ’81 & Jaime Dekkers

Rodney Dickson ’80

Robert & Elizabeth ’69 Draper

Jeffrey ’07 & Anissa Edouard

Rachel Ellis ’18

Rebekah Ellis ’20

Lynette & David Ellis

Torger ’84 & Peggy Erickson

JaNita Farms, LLC

Michael ’69 & Diane ’77 Williams

Alan & Becky Fisher

David Fitzgerald

Charles & Betty ’64 Floyd

Perry ’76 & Teresa Fraley

Robert Frieling ’69

Scot Glasco ’76

William Glatch ’88

Juan & Naomi Gonzales

Jeannine Graden

Charles ’76 and Jill Haak

Wade ’62 & Esther Harbeck

David & Nancy ’80 Henrickson

Eric ’84 & Heidi Hilty

Bill & Barbara ’62 Hoshel

Kelly & Sandy ’71 House

Ryan ’02 & Hallie House

Daniel ’82 & Jenny Hunkin

David & Sylvia Huss

Roy & Donna ’64 Hutchison

Alrick Hylton

Timothy ’00 & Katie ’02 Isaac

Katherine Jestila ’77

Nick ’13 & Allie Johnson

Charles ’75 & Pamela ’80 Jongert

Martin ’73 & Esther Jordan

Gerald ’66 & Janet ’67 Jutting

David & Christina ’91 Kessinger

Lois Klem ’78

Dave & Deborah ’82 Klem

James & Ruth Anne Koltveit

Kathy Krediet

Darrel ’70 & Diane Kuiper

Glen & Linda ’74 Lanker

Doug & Erika Larsen

Yancy ’80 & Stacey ’81 Lindsey

Wesley & Daryl Lusher ’59

Clint & Audrey Magnussen

Lester ’62 & Sally Matthews

David & Lisa Matthews

Joel McClain ’70

Janice McClain ’73

Leah Mesta ’19

Evie Mesta ’21

Vern & Lynda ’65 Meyer

Kelby & Melody Milgrim ’88

Johnny ’61 & Jeanne ’62 Miller

Bob ’58 & Judy Moffitt

Janice Mohney ’62

Janet Mullins ’70

Kay & Tyler Navarrette ’99

Leona Nelson ’60

Claudia Nevarez Borja

Joanne Oesterle

David & Royann ’75 Parker

Mary Jane Perrone ’63

Michael Podlesnik ’22

Donald & Brenda ’70 Poole

Bob ’60 & Judie ’61 Porter

Josue & Veronica Quezada-Perez

Drew & Melissa ’92 Raney

Robert ’68 & Patricia Rehm

John-Paul Reiger

David ’62 & Elizabeth Reiter

Russ ’02 & Lauren Richardson

Zane & Carol ’62 Robbins

Richard & Joan Rolfes

Mauricio & Annette Romero

Kenneth & Karen Seigle

Marla Serbousek-Smith

Thomas ’75 & Julie Sertich

David Sharrit ’67

Stephen ’81 & Kathy Shiffer

Jason Siciliano ’00

Jerry & Nancy Simmons ’56

Delbert Skinner ’58

Eldon & Nadine ’61 Smith

Paul ’62 & Sandie Smith

Jeffrey & Linnea ’86 Smith

Patrick & Florence Smith

Terry & Carol Stines

Craig ’73 & Grazyna Stockmeier

James “Randall” & Dixie Stone ’58

David ’79 & Janet Van Hofwegen

Terry Sutter

Milford & Linda Sutter

Robert Swier ’73

David ’66 & Barbara Tomb

Douglas ’65 & Vicki Totel

David ’70 & Renie Totel

Steve & Renee Trapp

John Trueblood ’84

John Turner ’71

Sarah Valadez

Paul ’56 & Naomi Van Liew

David ’71 & Debbie Vander Wall

Mark ’70 & Carol ’69 VanderNaalt

David Vanderschoot ’80

Beth Viquesney

Kevin ’76 & Takayo Wagoner

Bill Weed ’56

Kathryn Westbrook ’14

Brian ’89 & Jeresha ’94

Wickersham

Charles ’55 & Ute Wilfong

Stephen ’09 & Courtney Williams

Shannon Williams

Vince Williams

Jim & Jan Wolfe

Paul ’82 & Erin Zeller

Byrd Family Trust ’66

PrintWoods, Steve & Teresa Woods ’83

We support Phoenix Christian because it’s a light in a dark world. It’s a place where we’ve witnessed our daughter receive a great education while also being taught the Word of God in truth and example, and we want to be able to see Phoenix Christian continue its mission.

“Why We Give”

THE SECRET GARDEN GALA & LIVE AUCTION 2023 was an evening filled with stories of hope, healing, and transformation, many of the themes you can find in the famous novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

The night began with a packed library filled with silent auction items that our 350 guests enjoyed placing their bids on while being served hours d’oeuvres and catching up with former alumni and friends. The program included an incredible live performance with students of PC about the history of our school, narrated by Dr. Monty Ortman and concluded with a song by alumnus, Danny Hunkin ’82. Our guests enjoyed a delicious, seated dinner by Persepshen followed by a spirited live auction filled with trips to Florida and even a live puppy! The night ended with a glimpse into the 20-year plan for PC as we raised a toast to all that God has entrusted us with our rich history and now as we look towards our bright future. Thank you to all the guests, donors, supporters, and volunteers! The evening was rich in blessings with new and old faces on campus again as we together raised over 350k. With our Give from the Heart campaign raising a strong $150k, we started the renovations for the McChesney Learning Center and Cafe and we can’t wait to welcome you back for the grand opening celebration

this fall. Miracles bloomed the evening of March 11th and we look forward and boldly wait in expectancy as the Lord continues to work miracles in the lives of the students at PC and all who walk on this campus.

Save the Date for our next Spring Gala and Live Auction on March 23rd, 2024! You won’t want to miss it!

Auction Donors

Mark & Andrea Abeyta

Brenda & Bud Allison

Chip & Kay Allison

Miriam Antolik

Bradley & Sandra Asolas

Howard & Evelyn Billings

Jeffrey & Lisa Blake

Jerry & Judy Blake

Paul & Audrianna Burk

Michael & Melissa Burkhart

Lance & Aubrie Carter

Brian & Cyndee Clancy

Jim Colemere

Sarah Colorado

Lincoln Combs

Anthony & Jamie Converti

Michael & Kristiana De La Cruz

Robert & Elizabeth Draper

Roxana & Tomas Fajardo

Andrew & Rebecca Feight

Perry & Teresa Fraley

Susan Glawe

Jeannine Graden

Raquel Hamstra

Aaron & Victoria Hamstra

Pete & Linda Hamstra

Matt & Jessica Houle

Ryan & Hallie House

Alisha Hyde

Traci Irving

Tony & Gretchen Janes

Paul & Karen Knouse

Christopher & Andrea Krediet

Darrel & Diane Kuiper

Mark & Kristin Laird

Sandi Larson

Kenda McMahon

Hope McNamara

John & Christine Murphy

Rebecca & Joel Nevius

Gary & Laura Noffsinger

Mickey & Donna Nunez

Tom & Sue Okarma

Monty & Anne Ortman

Doug & Sara Penick

Cathy Poplin

Russ & Lauren Richardson

Dennis & Roxana Rogers

Saul Salinas

Travis & Lauren Scharnweber

Manatap & Charity Sianturi

Mil & Linda Sutter

David & Janet Van Hofwegen

Donald & Ingrid Van Hofwegen

Paul & Sheila Van Hofwegen

Tommy & Rachel Van Hofwegen

Gary & Sara Viscum

Amber Walker

Ernie & Karen Watson

James & Megan Werhanowicz

ACSTO

Arizona Leadership Foundation

Cactus Security

CLW Plumbing

Colorado Christian University

Hulk Equipment Corporation

Monomyth Studio

Paycom

Plant Stand of Arizona

PrintWoods

Semper Houle LLC

- Kay Allison ’02, Gala Chair

Gift-in-Kind Contributors

ACSTO

ADLO

Allison Family

Alphaderm

AZ Dance Distric

Biltmore Golf Club

Arizona Science Center

AZ Diamondbacks

Barton Family

Bearizona

Blanco Taco

Bronze Buddha Glow

Cala Restaurant

Carlisle Burch Art

Cartel Coffee

Chocolate Chippery

Chuckwalla

Coley Kuyper Art

Crossfit Gym

Club Pilates Central

CLW Plumbing

Cultivate Coffee

Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Designer Designflux

Doggy Daze

Fat Ox Restaurant

Fox Restaurant Concepts

Family Life Center

Fraley Family

G&G Don’t Stop the Party

Gathering Place Toys

GCU

Giving Tree

Greyhawk

Hava Java

Hubbard Family Swim

Junk in the Trunk

Kay’s Casita Airbnb

Kendra Scott

Kurt Warner

Little Miss BBQ

Living Streams Church

Local Nomad

Lux Coffee

Nami

Neighborly Public House

North Phoenix Church

Nothing Bundt Cake

The Market by Jennifer

Metalmark Fine Jewelry

Morph Aesthetics

Muse

Ocotillo

Out of Africa

Orchard Group

Oreganos

Persepshen

Plant Stand of Arizona

Phoenix Children’s Museum

Phoenix Christian Parents

Phoenix Fire Station 42

Phoenix Zoo

Poop Scoop

Pretty Paper Club

Radi8Love Yoga Studio

Revelation Wellness

Rise Uptown Hotel

Rooted and Grounded

Sandra Tenuto Photography

Selby Family

Service West

Skin Clinic of Scottsdale

Smallbones Productions

Society Salon

Someburros

Sprouts

Studio Seven Design LLC

Sweatshop on Central

Upward Projects

Urban Cookies

Valenzuela Family

Wally’s Pub and Grill

Whitfill Nursery

Whitman Family

Wommer Family

So many of our friends and alumni returned to celebrate and it was truly a night to remember.

Give from the Heart Donors

During the evening, our guests generously donated over $150,000 towards the McChesney Library renovation. With plans to create a beautiful space for learning and living together, our design team jumped into the project in late May.

The team completed the demolition work, the beautiful picture windows and new doors have already been installed. Flooring and furniture have been ordered and the café’s beautiful countertop is being installed soon! We’ve been incredibly blessed by several alumni and parents who have donated their time and talents to design and create this beautiful space. Students will enjoy the new McChesney Learning Center and Café with comfortable living spaces, a fully functioning coffee bar, and plenty of classic literature for students to enjoy. We plan to unveil the renovated McChesney Learning Center & Cafe in late September!

Hulk Equipment Corporation

Chip & Kay Allison

Barnabas & Kelley Bagby

Steven & Sidney Bales

Mark & Joyanna Band

Gary & Rochelle Becker

John & Stephanie Brigowatz

Tony Burgarello

Lance & Aubrie Carter

Scott Carter

Brian & Cyndee Clancy

Kevin & Kara Clancy

Howard & Pamela Ingham

Phil & Caroline Clay

Richard & Denice Clucas

Anthony & Jamie Converti

Michael & Kristiana De La Cruz

William Dickey

David & Carol Eaton

Perry & Teresa Fraley

Raquel Hamstra

Pete & Linda Hamstra

Merrill & Ellen Henderson

Doug Henderson

Sally Henry

Gregory Hogan

Kelly & Sandy House

Ryan & Hallie House

Tony & Gretchen Janes

Brian & Marie Jeffries

Sandra & Lee Jenkins

Michael & Lyndee Johnson

Jason Kindred

Paul & Karen Knouse

Ken & Andrea Kortman

Darrel & Diane Kuiper

Mark & Kristin Laird

Isaac & Massa LaVant

James & Marilyn Layman

William & Denise Leslie

Phyllis Lowe

Bill Lutz

Les & Sally Matthews

Darlene Messner

John & Christine Murphy

Kyle & Ashley Navarrette

Gary & Laura Noffsinger

Josue & Veronica Quezada-Perez

Diane Raden

Russ & Lauren Richardson

Dennis & Roxana Rogers

Saul Salinas

Mark & Judy Schmitt

Jeff & Linda Shook

Manatap & Charity Sianturi

Terry & Carol Stines

Michelle Stull

Milford & Linda Sutter

Dan & Kristen Thiem

David & Barbara Tomb

John Turner

David & Janet Van Hofwegen

Donald & Ingrid Van Hofwegen

Paul & Sheila Van Hofwegen

Tommy & Rachel Van Hofwegen

Rhonda Vanderveer

Gary & Sara Viscum

Derek & Jeanette Wahlstom

Casey & Nicole Werhanowicz

PrintWoods

GALA TABLE HOSTS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

We had an unforgettable evening with guests of Mental Health Center of America! We are incredibly thankful to our generous sponsors for making this night possible.

From the delicious food to the luxurious atmosphere, the festivities were nothing short of amazing.

The energy and spirit at the event were truly infectious!

Cheers to the wonderful community we have here at Phoenix Christian!

1949

1949 Club members donated at least $1,949 in honor of the year Phoenix Christian was established. We are so thankful for the many generous donors who help sustain the important mission of Phoenix Christian; to educate the minds, form the hearts and equip the hands of students in a Christ-centered atmosphere. Club members enjoy perks like free admission to home games, two tickets to the annual spring gala, and an invitation to dine with the superintendent.

Bell Road Tire & Auto (Big O Tire)

Bellevue Heights Foundation

Byrd Family Trust

Charles & Ruth Stone

Charitable Fund

Colorado Christian University

Emmaus Evangelical Fellowship, Richard & Erin Bellah

Florence Tire & Auto (Big O Tire)

Hulk Equipment Corporation

Monomyth Studio

National Philanthropic Trust

PrintWoods

Robert L. Van Hofwegen Dairy

Semper Houle LLC

Bud & Brenda Allison

Claude (Chip) & Kay Allison

Bradley & Sandra Asolas

Mark & Joyanna Band

Gary & Rochelle Becker

Dragan Bender

Jeffrey & Lisa Blake

Jerry & Judy Blake

Lance & Aubrie Carter

David & Laura Cheatham

Anthony & Jamie Converti

Crenshaw Estate

David & Carol Eaton

JaNita Farms, LLC Michael & Diane Williams

Alan & Becky Fisher

Perry & Teresa Fraley

Pete & Linda Hamstra

Wade & Esther Harbeck

Wayne Hayes

Burnie & Julie Hibbard

Paul & Julie Hopkins

Rick & Rosanna Hornback

Ryan & Hallie House

Kelly & Sandy House

Brian & Marie Jeffries

Charles & Pamela Jongert

James & Ruth Anne Koltveit

Ken & Andrea Kortman

Darrel & Diane Kuiper

Mark & Kristin Laird

Isaac & Massa LaVant

James & Marilyn Layman

Daryl & Denise Layne

Lester & Sally Mathews

Michael & Dana McNeely

Darlene Messner

Robert & Irene Mock

Gary & Laura Noffsinger

Monty & Anne Ortman

Doug & Sara Penick

Russ & Lauren Richardson

Corky Richardson

George & Louise Richardson

Dennis & Roxana Rogers

Richard & Joan Rolfes

Travis & Lauren Scharnweber

Mark & Judy Schmitt

David Sharrit

Gary Smith

David & Barbara Tomb

Douglas & Vicki Totel

John Turner

Donald & Ingrid Van Hofwegen

David & Janet Van Hofwegen

Paul & Naomi Van Liew

Dirk & Alice Van Proyer

Gary & Sara Viscum

By the Numbers

$2.165 million Corporate Tax Credit Monies $897,000 Individual Tax Credit Monies

Overflow Tax Credit Monies

$145,000

$786,000

$1.45 million Fiscal Year Gifts

33% of all gifts were from Alumni • 14% Donor acquisition rate

For more information on donating to a State Tax Credit Organization or to make a gift to Phoenix Christian, please visit phoenixchristian.org/support.

GENERAL GIFTS & GRANTS

In addition to our major fundraising efforts throughout the year, our donors give generously to many other campaigns and causes including stock donations and estate gifts. We are thankful!

Mark & Andrea Abeyta

Cary & Geraldine Adkins

Karen Aguilar

Chip & Kay Allison

Brenda & Bud Allison

David Altopp

Larry & Nancy Anderson

Tanika Aquino

Amy Armstrong

Rosalie Austin

Leonard & Candice Baker

Kathy Bann

John & Dianna Barclay

Shay Barrett

Lucas Bass

Cat Bendure

Don & Janice Berghouse

Mary Best

Jeffrey & Lisa Blake

Jerry & Judy Blake

Candice Boller

Henry & Carol Borgerding

Douglas & Toni Bradley

John & Stephanie Brigowatz

David & Diane Brown

John & Marilyn Brush

Consuelo Buday

Micah Buennagel

Dean & Sharon Buscher

Gabriela Buscher

Dean Buscher

Denisse Cabrera

Wilson & Ruth Campos

Miracle Catering

Lisa Christiansen

Rod & Glenda Clark

David & Linda Conovaloff

Jamie & Anthony Converti

Stanley Cook

Jaciel Cossio

Raymond Crawford

Angie Crow

Misty Darlington

Julian De La Cruz

Michael & Kristiana De La Cruz

Eric & Lori DeJong

Silvia Diaz

Rodney Dickson

Diane Downing

John & Doris Doyel

Robert & Elizabeth Draper

Leroy Earhart

Philip & Sharon Eaton

Mitzi Ebensteiner

Rachel Echols

Tadesse Elemo

Sarien Espinoza

Lucas Espinoza

Pamela Fauskee

Mary Ellen Fee

Fernando Fernandez

Raynie Fike

Sonia Fitzgerald

Michele Galli

Kristy Glesge

Bruce Goodwin

Shiriam Gutierrez

David Gutierrez

Kristy & Charles Guzman

Maya Haines

Pete & Linda Hamstra

Pamela Hanks

Wayne Hayes

Anne Henderson

David & Nancy Henrickson

Stephanie & Justin Hobbs

Michael & Christina Hogg

William Holloway

Rick & Rosanna Hornback

Matt & Jessica Houle

Ryan & Hallie House

Kelly & Sandy House

Kermit & Kathleen Humphries

Paige Johnston

Tani Joiner

Emma Juarez

Richard & Cheryl Kahle

Glenn & Jennifer Kasprzyk

Rob Kellar

Wayne & Diane Kindall

Larry Kindred

Bill & Joan Kinnerup

Greg & Christine Klein

Lois Klem

Kent Kleven

James & Ruth Anne Koltveit

Jennifer Kramer

Kathy Krediet

Jacob & Amber Lambert

Tim Langford

Tom Le

Thomas Leonard

Shenaz Leyva

Terry Lynch

John & Karen Marshall

Ryan Martell

Amy Martell

Gary & Elizabeth Martin

Russell & Julie Mason

Richard & Christine Mason

David & Lisa Matthews

Ronnie & Maureen Maynor

Rebecca McCune

Michael & Dana McNeely

William Merdick

John & Pam Miller

John & Beverly Mize

Robert & Irene Mock

Stanley & Karen Moehr

Joshua Mondaca

Brenda Mondaca

Franklin & Adrienne Montgomery

Don & Kelly Moore

Elva Morales

Pete Moseley

Joseph & Shelley Munos

John & Christine Murphy

Sandrine Muteteri

Mark & Karen Myers

Daniella Nelson

Alexa Nelson

Claudia Nevarez Borja

Joel & Rebecca Nevius

Lashonti Newkiek

Lydia Njeri

Adina Nunez

Saul Nunez

Yvonne Nunez

GENERAL GIFTS & GRANTS (cont.)

Roland Nunez

Tom & Sue Okarma

Jessica Parrow

Doug & Benette Penney

Zoe Perez

Josue & Veronica Perez

Aries & Rebekah Perez

Mary Jane Perrone

Richard & Lucinda Perry

Donald & Debra Petersen

Nathan Pittman

Julie Prigge

Diane Raden

Danny Ramirez

Michael Rayburn

Keith & Kimberlee Robinson

Dennis & Roxana Rogers

Ryan & Blake Romeo

Michael Romley

Mark & Elizabeth Ropp

Elijah Rubin

Saul Ruiz

Ken Schaaf

Travis & Lauren Scharnweber

Mark & Stacy Schneider

Alysha Schwengler

Kenneth & Karen Seigle

Thomas & Julie Sertich

Stephanie Shearer

Michael & Katie Shores

Manitap & Charity Sianturi

Jay & Lori Silverberg

Joseph Simmons

Gary Smith

Thomas Smith

William Smith

Brandon Sparks

Seth Strawn

John & Sharon Stuckey

Milford & Linda Sutter

Cambria Tarango

Alma Taylor

Erica Thomas

Gabriel Torres

Douglas & Vicki Totel

Kristen Undeberg

Jane Lanningham

Dirk & Alice Van Proyen

John & Kristi Vander Maas

Mike & Dianne Vanderveer

Julio Vega

Gary & Sara Viscum

Curtis & Pamela Voss

Amber Walker

Ernie & Karen Watson

James & Donna Wickersham

Jon Williams

Kayleen Wilson

Steven & Constance Woolston

David Zook

Bell Road Tire & Auto (Big O Tire)

Bellevue Heights Church

Byrd Family Trust

Delta Diversified Enterprises

Emmaus Evangelical Fellowship

Florence Tire & Auto (Big O Tire)

Holy Frap AZ

Hulk Equipment Corporation

Kelly Frampton Interior Design

Lifetime Learners, LLC

National Christian Foundation -

Southwest

National Philanthropic Trust

Orchard Assisted Living

PrintWoods

Robert L. Van Hofwegen Dairy

Steven G. Mihaylo Family Foundation

Valwest Technologies

Elementary teachers dream of giving their students the best supplies, even when their budgets are tight. They’re overjoyed about our new teacher fund that grants money to teachers to buy new learning tools to better engage students.

SENIOR CAPSTONE PROJECTS

AZY Carrillo GRACE Fisher &

Azy and Grace both have a heart for foster care children. It did not take long for them to choose their capstone project. They helped coordinate the annual Foster Care Top Golf event for Phoenix Christian. This event raises money to help offset tuition costs for our foster care families. Phoenix Christian allows foster care children to enroll at no cost to the families.

Azy focused on acquiring corporate sponsorships—thank you to our incredible sponsors (shown at right)! Grace was responsible for the procurement of items for raffle baskets. We had a wonderful evening of golfing, amazing food, fun raffles, and inspiration. Our families and sponsors enjoyed the evening and were particularly moved by the Johnson’s family story of their personal foster care/adoption journey. With a raise of over $16,000, this dream team has much to be proud of! Don’t forget to spread the word—Phoenix Christian loves foster care children!

Seniors graduating with honors must earn at least a 3.25 GPA, take several honors and Advanced Placement classes, and successfully complete a Senior Capstone Project. Congratulations to all of the 2023 Graduates with Honors!

It’s always amazing to see our alumni come together to support the incredible foster care initiative at Phoenix Christian! We had a great time connecting and celebrating the positive impact this program has on our community.

Even the youngest got in on the action, making a drive for foster care!

Parents Jon and Brooke Shores came out in full swing and had an amazing time golfing for our foster care program.

Thank you to our Top Golf event sponsors!

SENIOR CAPSTONE PROJECTS

MYA Pierre

Mya took on a challenging project by writing history!

Mya wrote a biographical essay on the life of Lorenzo Valenzuela for the Veteran’s Heritage Project. She spent several hours interviewing Lorenzo and several months writing his biography. The published Veteran’s Heritage Project, “Since you Asked” is housed in the National Archives, Arizona I Edition, 2023.

“During deployment and throughout his life, Lorenzo’s faith played the biggest role in shaping him in the man he is today. To him, his faith was the foundation of every choice he made and every risk he took. In his life and especially during combat, there were times when his faith was tested, but that is what made him stronger! He always made it a habit to wear a cross somewhere on his uniform where no one could see it. It was important for him to know the Lord was with him wherever he went and that his faith guided him through difficult times. In Lorenzo’s command positions, it helped him to rely on his faith so he could take the best care of his soldiers. He reflected on his frequent talks with the Lord and how they informed his choices.” — Excerpt from “Since you Asked”, Arizona I Edition

from the editor

I love summer! I know what you’re thinking! Lisa, it’s been over 110 degrees all summer! But really, I love summer. I love having the chance to slow down. To enjoy a few lazy mornings. To escape to beautiful places around the country. To eat ice cream and anything cold with the kids. To enjoy late nights watching movies or playing games. What is at the top of my summer activity list? Reading! I’ve read some great books this summer, including The Black Swan, Jesus Outside the Lines, Livestream, The Problem with Jesus, and now I’m currently reading The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. If you haven’t read this book, you’ve got to add it to your Must Read List! In our noisy, crazy-busy world, we have lost the appetite for silence, for stillness, for solitude. In turn, we’ve found ourselves disconnected from our Creator. The urgency of today distracts us from our most intimate and deeply embedded need for our Savior. I think that’s why I love summer. Those long summer evenings, walks on the beach, beautiful sunsets, and if you live in the Midwest, lightning bugs that sparkle in the night. These glimpses of beauty reconnect us to our Creator, to the garden that we were created for. They remind us that life really is good even in the midst of heartbreak, chaos, and pain. As we leap into another school year full of homework, practices, science projects, early bedtimes, games and so much more, let’s commit ourselves to scheduling a few sacred moments, quiet moments to talk to our Father, sit in His presence, and find LIFE.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. – Hebrews 4:16

Lisa Blake

Volume 20 • Summer 2023

COUGARNOW ONLINE

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SUPERINTENDENT

EDITOR

DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CONTRIBUTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeff Blake

Lisa Blake

Brian Cole of Designflux.co

Miriam Murray ’19, Dorian Studios

Kay Allison, Steve Woods of PrintWoods

Chip Allison, Stephanie Brigowatz, Anthony Converti, David Fitzgerald, Juan Gonzales, Pete Hamstra, Hallie House, Steve Woods

A little slice of Heaven!